Isaiah 14:1 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

For the Lord will have mercy— The prophet here continues his discourse concerning Babylon, wherein we have a continuation of the prophesy concerning the fall of the Babylonish empire and its rulers, Isaiah 14:1-23 and a prophesy interwoven, concerning the great slaughter which the king of Assyria should meet with on the mountains of Israel; Isaiah 14:24-27 the former part describes, first, the fruit or consequence of the fall of Babylon; that is to say, the perfect deliverance of the people of God; Isaiah 14:1-3 and secondly, continues the prediction concerning the fall of the Babylonish kings, Isaiah 14:4-20 and the destruction of Babylon, Isaiah 14:21-23. This chapter is not only connected with that preceding by the particle for, but by the argument in the last clause; her time is near to come, &c. A reason, therefore, is here given, not only for the fall of Babylon, but also for the speedy approach of that fall, which was not to be delayed, because the deliverance of the church, determined by God, depended upon it. These verses exhibit to us as well the antecedent as the consequent blessings to be conferred upon the people of God after the fall of Babylon; which the prophet piously considers in their cause; namely, the mercy of JEHOVAH. The antecedent benefits are three; 1. The choosing of the house of Jacob. 2. The placing of them in their own land. 3. Rest from grief, fear, and the hard bondage of former times (Isaiah 14:3.). The consequent benefits are also threefold: 1st, the joining of proselytes to the people of God, by the communion of the same religion, Isaiah 14:1. 2nd, The offices of humanity, charity, and benevolence, to be shewn them by certain people, who should bring them to their own place, Isaiah 14:2. 3rdly, The hereditary possession of many nations who had vexed them, joined with dominion over them, Isaiah 14:2. There can be no doubt that this prophesy refers to the restoration of the Jews after the Babylonish captivity; but as that restoration was figurative of their great and future one under the Gospel, these words, most likely, have a remote reference hereto. See Romans 15:27.